Belt ratcheting system with dual rollers and adjustable release buckle

ABSTRACT

A ratcheting belt system with opposed rollers and quick release capability provides two opposed rollers which frictionally allow a tightening belt of a safety harness, cargo securement system, between themselves compressively, via a manually operated ratcheting handle such that the excess length of belt distal to the active portion used for securement is passed through the system substantially parallel to the active portion of belt, and need not be contained on a spool. A ratchet mechanism prevents back-out of the belt through the buckle, a manually operated lever provides for opening of the rollers away from each other and easy, quick exit of the driver, passenger, or cargo from securement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/371,838, filed Dec. 7, 2016. The disclosure of the above applicationis incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to belts used to secure objects orpersons.

2. Description of Related Art

Various fastening belt devices are known in the related art. Somenon-exhaustive examples include the following:

Belt securing devices with grip handles to tighten a belt or strap areknown in the related art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,552 to Gopalet al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,444,718 to Chang, U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,798 toRawdon et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,118,833 to Knox et al.

Further, belt securing devices which roll unused portions of a belt orstrap onto a spool are known. For example: U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,729 toRuan, U.S. Pat. No. 7,444,718 to Chang, U.S. Pat. No. 7,232,089 toInagawa et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,135 to Fleischmann et al, U.S. Pat.No. 6,802,470 to Smithson et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,798 and to Rawdonet al. However, such devices lack a “lay flat” or parallel exit of theunused portion of the belt.

Also known are devices with a lay-flat portion of the belt upon exitingthe buckle. These include, for example: U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,776 toLaatz, U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,522 to Gopal et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,263,750to Keene et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,170 to Cho, and U.S. Pat. No.4,118,833 to Knox. However, such devices lack a ratcheting system tomaintain the belt.

Furthermore, devices which provide a ratchet system to maintain thetension of the belt are known. For example, such devices include: U.S.Pat. No. 9,277,776 to Laatz, U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,729 to Ruan, U.S. Pat.No 7,444,718 to Chang, U.S. Pat. No. 7,232,089 to Inagawa et al, U.S.Pat. No. 7,083,135 to Fleischmann et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,470 toSmithson et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,170 to Cho, and U.S. Pat. No.5,542,798 to Rawdon et al. However, such devices lack quick loosening,tightening and exit without a separate portion which clips into thebuckle.

In addition, some known devices provide for a quick loosening,tightening, and exit without a separate part that clips into the buckle.These include U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,776 to Laatz and U.S. Pat. No.4,118,833 to Knox.

Conventional motor vehicles are typically equipped with a fabricrestraint system, including a wide range of tie-down systems. Sometie-down systems with ratcheting tightening and handles for mechanicaladvantage are known. An example is U.S. Pat. No. 7,444,718 to Chang.Current art typically rolls the unused portion of the belt on a spoolthough there are early examples and the example of modern aircraftseatbelts where the ante-buckle length belt does lay flat though it isretained by a cinch with no mechanical assist for tightening. Typicalconsumer versions in passenger cars have an automatic roller whichgenerally engages during a crash or sudden stoppage event, havingtension at all times being considered a burden on the operator. U.S.Pat. No. 7,232,089 to Inagawa teaches a typical example of a spooledvehicle belt take-up system. Other examples can be seen in U.S. Pat. No.7,083,135 to Fleischmann and U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,470 to Smithson. Suchconventional spool-based systems facilitate quick release of the beltmaterial due to aspects of the spool allowing belt length to unroll offthe spool when not in a crash situation. However, such conventionalspool-based systems have no mechanical tightening assist of any sort normaintenance of tension.

Typically, high-performance racing vehicles have seat belt systemsrequire use of a tool or wrench to tighten the seat belt. For example,in U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,729 to Ruan, a ratcheting spool device isdisclosed for use in a cargo tie down which requires use of a separatetightening tool; a spool is required; and no quick release of the beltis provided. In such conventional seat belt systems, it is thennecessary in a passenger restraint application to move the conventionalspool away from the operator and mount such conventional spool out ofthe way in a different location, such as on the floor of the vehicle.Some vehicle restraint systems and other securements allow for a buckleby allowing feed-through of the belt material through such buckle, withthe belt material exiting parallel to the incoming tensioned material.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,776 to Laatz teaches a ratchetingbuckle for securement of a clothing item. Also For example, U.S. Pat.No. 4,118,833 to Knox and U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,552 to Gopal each teachlay-flat spool-free designs, but do not teach convenient continuousfeed-thru tightening. Laatz does not require a spool but does requires anotched strip built into the belt and has no force multiplication deviceto increase tightening forces. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,170 to Choteaches a buckle which teaches a rotating ratchet to enforcenon-slippage of the belt and a spool-free design, again with therequirement of a special surface in the belt to match the ratchet and nomechanism to apply significant tightening force. Particularly forpassenger restraint use, such conventional devices typically have aone-hand operable release mechanism where the mating insert of thedevice attached to the opposing length of belt, if not the belt itself,is released. These are typically seen in conventionally mandatedpassenger seatbelts such as those taught by Keene in U.S. Pat. No.7,263,750. This does not provide for convenient adjusting of belttension of a heavy or debris covered belt as is encountered in off-roadracing or securement of cargo in primitive or dirty environments.

Designs featuring grip handles to apply strong tightening forces areknown. Such conventional handles typically place the inactive length ofbelt on a spool. An example is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 7,444,718 to Chang.Another is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,798 to Rawdon et al, teaching thetightening handle (76) and the spool, or “ . . . fluted spindle (98)onto which the belt is wound . . . ” without any lay flat capability forthe non-active part of the belt.

It can be seen from the related art that there is a need for asecurement system combining several features, including: mechanicalassist in tightening, continuous feed capability, quick release of thebelt, and spool-free operation. It can be seen that there is also a needfor a seat belt securement device which provides a mechanical tighteningassist with a spool free design that can accommodate any length of belt,a quick release mechanism of the belt itself, the ability tocontinuously feed any length of belt or strap through the buckle withmechanical assist and the ability to use plan belt material without anyspecial features or surfaces to interact with the ratchet.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A ratcheting securement system is disclosed with an opposing rollertightening mechanism configured such that an active belt end (that is tosay the end of a belt, whether the opposite end of said belt is securedto a structure such as in use as a vehicle passenger restraint, or tothe opposite side of the ratcheting buckle typically configured tosecure a load) can be taken up via a ratcheting handle to tighten thesystem to secure a load or restrain a vehicle passenger, the active beltend (this is defined as any part of the belt available to be drawn intothe buckle by the action of the roller, this can be nearly the entirelength when configured as a continuous loop) being rolled between saidopposing rollers which are mechanically configured to rotate only in thedirection of tightening the active belt. The active belt, under tensionincreases the forces of the opposed rollers acting against each otherdue to an eccentric causing a first or “top” roller to tend toward thedirection of force, and thus compressing the active belt between themstrongly preventing slippage of the active belt. The two opposed rollersallow for frictional tightening of the belt either in normal use or intightening as this condition squeezes the active belt between them. Theactive belt may be loosened by raising a second handle, that is a“release” handle such that said opposed rollers are separated from eachother and at this point, the friction of the belt earlier squeezedbetween the two rollers is lost and the rollers no longer grip theactive belt. Also at this point the active belt may be adjusted ineither direction, into (to further tighten) or out of (to loosen) theactive end of the ratcheting buckle mechanism. The system also includesa passive end of the buckle which does not vary the length of belt, butwould be secured to an end of the length of a belt, or the other end ofthe length of active belt if configured in a loop, or an object such asa structure or vehicle. This may comprise the opposite length of thebelt forming a passive end secured to the passive end of the ratchetingbuckle, forming an adjustable loop, or the passive belt end may be asecond length of belt secured to a structure or vehicle, or the passiveend of the buckle may itself be secured to a structure or vehicle. It isan object of the invention that the ante-buckle length of belt is freeimmediately upon its emergence from the second, or “bottom” roller; itis not wound on a spool as practiced in the current state of the art.There is no requirement to accommodate the mechanism of a spool, and theante-buckle portion of the active belt. The ante-portion can be theportion of the belt passed through the buckle and not be in tension. Theante-buckle portion can lay flat against the ex-ante part of the activebelt. The ante portion can be under tension when in use. The ex- anteportion can be in tension when in use, but has not been drawn into thebuckle. Very long belts may be used as it is not necessary to retain theante-buckle portion on a spool or reel.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can facilitate securinga passenger in a vehicle or as a cargo strap to secure a load in place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an overall view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein buckle 100is being loosened and release handle 2000 is raised.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein buckle 100is being tightened and ratchet grip 1000 is raised.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing a ratcheting and tightening mechanism after tightening and inuse.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of an embodiment present invention with aratcheting mechanism in the release mode to show loosening operation.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the ratcheting mechanism in the “release”mode with bottom roller pawl 7010 shown “exploded” outward from itsposition, and top roller pawl 6030 also “exploded” from its position.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of the ratcheting mechanism in the tighteningmode showing the detail of ratchet grip pawl 1010 engaging the outerteeth of top roller 6000 to cause it to turn, thus tightening activebelt 3010.

FIG. 9 shows the release handle in wireframe view so that the rotationabout an axis VII-VIII and detail of cutout 5005 may be illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of teaching the art and notlimitation, description and details are set forth of the presentinvention such that those skilled in the art may have a thoroughunderstanding. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart that the inventions described herein extends beyond the specificallydisclosed embodiments, examples and illustrations, and can include otheruses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. The terminology used in the description presented herein is notintended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simplybecause it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description ofcertain specific embodiments. In addition, embodiments of the inventionscan comprise several novel features and no single feature need be solelyresponsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicingthe inventions herein described.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of ratcheting harness buckle 100. Ratchetgrip 1000 and release handle 2000 can be substantially flat againstbuckle 100. Passive belt 3000 can be secured in buckle 100 by pin 4000to facilitate securement of passive belt 3000, which can be secured inbuckle 100, and can hold first and second side plates 5000 and 5010 vianut or attachment system 4010. Active belt 3010 comes into buckle 100from the end associated with release handle 2000, loops over top roller6000 (FIG. 6) under bottom roller 7000, and out of buckle 100. By way ofnon-limiting illustration, see FIG. 4. In an embodiment has a firstactive length of active belt 3010 entering belt mechanism 100, loopingaround a first roller and under a second roller, and out of the activeend of the ratcheting buckle 100.

Ratcheting harness buckle 100 can be an assembly configured to tighten ohold a belt or strap, provide for its tightening and release of belt orstrap as the operator desires via using two contra-rotating cylinders,at least one of which contains a ratchet, and without need of a spool towrap the belt or strap. Ratcheting harness buckle 100 can be made ofcommon metallic, polymer, or other materials or combinations ofmaterials and by using common methods such as machining, casting,injection molding, 3D Printing, or combinations of these and/or othermethods. The components may be held in place with common fasteners suchas clips and screws as well as press fits, welding, and adhesives. Theratcheting harness buckle 100 draws in the belt or strap a first activeend 3010 as the operator cranks on a handle, expelling the ante bucklepart of the belt parallel to the ex-ante part and provides for grippingthe belt with increasing force as tension is applied to the belt. Theratcheting harness buckle 100 provides for a means to release pressureof the contra-rotating rollers on the belt rollers thus allowing thebelt to be loosened by the operator by lifting a second handle. Thesecond end of the ratcheting harness buckle 100 can be affixed to asecond belt or strap, or affixed to a structure, or affixed to the otherend of the belt or strap being drawn into the first end of theratcheting harness buckle 100. Inn an embodiment, ratcheting harnessbuckle 100 can be a component or assembly of components made by any orall of several methods including machining, molding, 3D printing, orother methods and can be constructed of metal, polymer, composite, orother solid materials. Ratcheting harness buckle 100 can have one ormore substantially parallel side plates, if more than one such buckle100, configured to contain other components. Ratcheting harness buckle100 can include two or more contra rotating ratcheting rollers.Ratcheting harness buckle 100 can affix one end of a belt, or can affixone end of the assembly to a structure. Ratcheting harness buckle 100can include a handle configured to tighten the belt. The handle caninclude a release to de-couple it from tightening the belt. Ratchetingharness buckle 100 can include a handle to separate the rollers foreasier adjustment of the system or to quickly release tension on thebelt. Ratcheting harness buckle 100 can function as a means to securetwo ends of belt into a loop or hold one end of a belt to a structure.Ratcheting harness buckle 100 can be configured to tighten the belt,strongly hold the belt in place, or release the belt as desired by theoperator.

Ratchet grip 1000 can be a component configured to be grasped by theoperator as the operator desires. It can be configured to rotate on anaxis XI-XII consistent with the axis of ratcheting roller 6000 (FIGS. 5and 6). Ratchet grip 1000 can be configured such that operating thehandle in one direction tightens an active belt or strap 3010, and theother direction does not affect the condition of the active belt orstrap 3010. Ratchet grip 1000 can be made of common metallic, polymer,or other materials or combinations of materials and by using commonmethods such as machining, casting, injection molding, 3D Printing, orcombinations of these and/or other methods. Ratchet grip 1000 may beheld in place with common fasteners such as clips and screws as well aspress fits, welding, and adhesives. Ratchet grip 1000 can facilitatetightening of an active belt or strap 3010 as desired by the operatorand can be returned to its initial position where ratchet grip 1000 doesnot interfere with the use of ratcheting harness buckle 100. Ratchetgrip 1000 can incorporate manual pawl 1040 configured to forceratcheting roller 6000 to rotate with operation of ratchet grip 1000 inone direction of rotation. Manual pawl 1040 may incorporate one or moresprings 1050 (FIG. 8) to maintain engagement with ratcheting roller 6000and a feature to allow the operator to disengage the manual pawl 1040 asdesired.

Release handle 2000 can be a component configured to be grasped by theoperator as the operator desires. Release handle 2000 can be configuredto be movable via I-II, or release handle 2000 can rotate on an axiswith side plates 5000 and 5010 of ratcheting harness buckle 100. Releasehandle 2000 can be made of common metallic, polymer, or other materialsor combinations of materials and by using common methods such asmachining, casting, injection molding, 3D Printing, or combinations ofthese and/or other methods. Release handle 2000 may be held in placewith common fasteners such as clips and screws as well as press fits,welding, and adhesives. Release handle 2000 can be positioned andconfigured to allow access to and operation of by the operator asdesired. Operation of the release handle 2000 can cause contra rotatingrollers 6000 and 7000 to separate from each other thus removing grip orpressure on the active belt 3010, allowing active belt 3010 to beloosened.

Passive belt 3000 can be a length of belt or strap affixed to one end ofratcheting harness buckle 1000. Passive belt 3000 can be affixed toratcheting harness buckle 1000 by one or more of several means, bynon-limiting example, a bolt through a loop formed in Passive Belt 3000or be attached to ratcheting harness buckle 1000 via fasteners or othermeans such as by non-limiting example welding, clamping, lockingfeatures, and/or adhesives. The end of passive belt 3000 not attached toratcheting harness buckle 100 can be affixed to a structure or vehicleby any means including as described for the end affixed to Ratchetingharness 100 or may be continuous with or affixed to active belt 3010. Itcan be constructed of fabric, fibrous, metal, polymer, or othermaterials capable of withstanding tensile forces. Passive belt 3000 canbe constructed by means such as by non-limiting example weaving,knitting, extrusion, molding, 3D Printing, or other means. Passive belt3000 can be commonly and currently used seat belt or commercial strapmaterial of any type and made by any means and can be constructed as aflat chain made of interlocking or attached components. Passive belt3000 has the function of affixing ratcheting harness buckle 1000 to astructure, vehicle, or to active belt 3010.

Pin 4000 can be a bolt, screw, rod, or other component. Pin 4000 can beaffixed or attached to ratcheting harness buckle 1000 by one or more ofany means including by non-limiting example including welding,fasteners, pins, adhesives or features such as threads, grooves, orpress fits. Pin 4000 can be made of common metallic, polymer, or othermaterials or combinations of materials and by using common methods suchas machining, casting, injection molding, 3D Printing, or combinationsof these and/or other methods. Pin 4000 can be assembled to ratchetingharness buckle 100 via direct insertion manually of by machine, or itcan be cast, molded, or printed in place. Pin 4000 can facilitateholding any of side plates 5000, 5010 in place and/or can provide anattachment point for passive belt 3000.

Attachment system 4010, in a possible embodiment, can be a threadedfastener such as a nut, pins, clips, press fit, or any other type ofattachment system. Attachment system 4010 can be made of commonmetallic, polymer, or other materials or combinations of materials andby using common methods such as machining, blanking, broaching, casting,injection molding, 3D printing, or any combinations of these and/orother methods. Attachment system 4010 can be held in place, by way ofnon-limiting illustration, via common fasteners such as clips and screwsas well as press fits, welding, and/or adhesives. In embodiments whereattachment system 4010 is a nut, attachment system 4010 can facilitatesecuring bolt 4000 in place in the assembly. Attachment system 4010 mayalso facilitate securing side plates 5000 and 5010 in the assembly.

Side plate 5000 or first side plate 5000 can be a substantially flatplate holding several parts or subassemblies of the ratcheting harnessbuckle 100 in place. Side plate 5000 can have several threaded orunthreaded holes and an arc-shaped radial receiver groove 5005. Sideplate 5000 can be made of common metallic, polymer, or other materialsor combinations of materials and by using common methods such asmachining, blanking, broaching, casting, injection molding, 3D printing,or any combination of these and/or other methods. The component may beheld in place with common fasteners such as clips and screws as well aspress fits, welding, and adhesives. First side plate 5000 can, incombination with second side plate 5010, facilitate locating theassemblies of opposed rollers such as top roller 6000, bottom roller7000, bolt 4000 and release handle 2000, and can keep components inplace.

Second side plate 5010 can be can be a substantially flat plate holdingseveral parts or subassemblies of ratcheting harness buckle 100 inplace. Second side plate 5010 can have several threaded or unthreadedholes and an arc-shaped radial receiver groove 5005. Second side plate5010 can be made of common metallic, polymer, or other materials orcombinations of materials and by using common methods such as machining,blanking, broaching, casting, injection molding, 3D Printing, orcombinations of these and/or other methods. The component may be held inplace with common fasteners such as clips and screws as well as pressfits, welding, and adhesives.

First and second side plates 5000, 5010 can locate the assemblies ofopposed rollers that can include top roller 6000, bottom roller 7000,bolt 4000 and release handle 2000 in place.

Top roller 6000 a substantially cylindrical shaped component with aratcheting feature on the inner surface and a friction enhancing featureon the outer surface. Top roller 6000 can be made of common metallic,polymer, or other materials or combinations of materials and by usingcommon methods such as machining, blanking, broaching, casting,injection molding, 3D printing, or combinations of these and/or othermethods. Top roller 6000 can be held in place with common fasteners suchas clips and screws as well as press fits, welding, and adhesives. Toproller 6000 can be restrained from turning in a direction that wouldloosen the belt via the action of a ratchet pawl 6030 and may beconstrained to an axis XI-XII. Top roller 6000 may be configured toincrease gripping force on active belt 3010. By way of non-limitingillustration, gripping force can be increased on active belt 3010 viaeccentric 6010 shown in FIG. 2.

Bottom roller 7000 can be a substantially cylindrical shaped componentwith a ratcheting feature on the inner surface and a friction enhancingfeature on the outer surface. Bottom roller 7000 can be made of commonmetallic, polymer, or other materials or combinations of materials andby using common methods such as machining, blanking, broaching, casting,injection molding, 3D printing, or combinations of these and/or othermethods. Bottom roller 7000 can be held in place with common fastenerssuch as clips and screws as well as press fits, welding, and adhesives.Bottom roller 7000 can be restrained from turning in a direction thatwould loosen the belt via the action of bottom ratchet pawl 7010. Bottomroller 7000 may be configured to be constrained in translation via axisXX-XXI (FIG. 4).

FIG. 2 shows the buckle being loosened. Release handle 2000 can beraised or lowered. FIG. 2 shows the system with the buckle beingloosened. Release handle 2000 can be rotatably lifted from the retractedposition shown in FIG. 1, in the direction of the arrow and that thisaction separates the rollers which can also be understood by way ofnon-limiting illustration in FIG. 6. This mechanical movement can alsobe understood by way of non-limiting illustration in FIG. 9, showing apossible embodiment wherein release handle 2000 can be configured torotate about axis VII-VIII. Release handle 2000 can be connected via afastener to the stub of eccentric 6010, which can rotate about axisVII-VIII. By way of non-limiting illustration, see FIGS. 5 and 9. Sideplates 5000 and 5010 can be configured with a radial receiver groove5005 concentric with axis VI-VIII (FIG. 9). It would be known to one ofordinary skill in the art that lifting release handle 2000 from itsretracted position can thereby separate opposed rollers: top roller 6000and bottom roller 7000, creating an opportunity to pull active belt 3010out of belt mechanism 100.

Radial receiver groove 5005 can be on or in first side plate 5000 and/orsecond side plate 5010. Radial receiver groove 5005 can be placed intofirst side plate 5000 and/or second side plate 5010 by way ofnon-limiting illustration, via: machining, milling, casting, electrondischarge machining, blanking, stamping, and molding. Radial receivergroove 5005 serves the function of allowing and guiding the motion ofstub 6020 with increasing tension on an active belt 3010 or via liftinga release handle 2000.

Eccentric 6010 (FIG. 5) can be a substantially cylindrical componenthoused within top roller 6000. Eccentric 6010 can have stub 6030 on anaxis V-VI which can be substantially parallel to but different from itsown axis XI-XII. Eccentric 6010 can be configured to contain a ratchetpawl. It can be made of common metallic, polymer, or other materials orcombinations of materials and by using common methods such as machining,blanking, broaching, casting, injection molding, 3D Printing, orcombinations of these and/or other methods. The component may be held inplace with common fasteners such as clips and screws as well as pressfits, welding, and adhesives.

Active belt 3010 can be a length of belt or strap looped around an upperratcheting roller 6000 and lower ratcheting roller 7000 at the activeend of ratcheting harness buckle 1000. Active belt 3010 can be affixedto ratcheting harness buckle 1000 at the other end by one or more ofseveral means, by non-limiting example, a bolt through a loop formed inactive belt 3010 or be attached to ratcheting harness buckle 1000 viafasteners or other means such as by non-limiting example welding,clamping, locking features, and/or adhesives. The end of active belt3010 not feeding into the active ratcheting harness 100 can be affixedto a structure or vehicle by any means including as described for theend affixed to Ratcheting Harness 100 or may be continuous with oraffixed to Passive Belt 3000. Active belt 3010 can be constructed offabric, fibrous, metal, polymer, or other materials capable ofwithstanding tensile forces. Active belt 3010 can be constructed bymeans such as by non-limiting example weaving, knitting, extrusion,molding, 3D printing, or other means. Active belt 3010 can be commonlyand currently used seat belt or commercial strap material of any typeand made by any means and can be constructed as a flat chain made ofinterlocking or attached components. Active belt 3010 can enter theactive end of ratcheting harness buckle 100, looping around upperratcheting roller 6000 and under ratcheting roller 7000, forming part orall of the tightening circuit to secure the object or person intended tobe secured.

FIG. 3 shows buckle 100 being tightened. Note the ratchet grip 1000 israised. FIG. 3 shows the system being tightened. Ratchet grip 1000 canbe rotatably raised in the direction indicated by Roman numerals Raisingratchet grip 1000 can pulls in some ex-ante length (that is the lengthof the belt not yet drawn into buckle 100) of active belt 3010, andpushes ante-buckle length of inactive belt 3011 out of the buckle 100.Opposed rollers (top 6000 and bottom roller 7000) can be forced againsteach other in this condition, increasing their forces on the belt inbetween them and thus the friction forces between rollers 6000 and 7000together and active belt 3010, thus allowing frictional tightening ofthe belt. FIG. 6 shows a possible embodiment in which ratchet grip 1000can rotate about the axis of top roller 6000. Note that separation ofrollers 6000 and 7000 in the condition shown can substantially decreasethe friction of the roller surfaces on the belt, allowing said rollers6000 and 7000 to be loosened.

Inactive belt 3011 can be a length of belt ex-ante the contra-rotatingopposed Upper (6000) and lower (7000) rollers. Inactive belt 3011 can befree of tension. Inactive belt 3011 can be contained, rolled, notcontained, or not rolled. Inactive belt 3011 can be constructed offabric, fibrous, metal, polymer, or other materials capable ofwithstanding tensile forces. Inactive belt 3011 can be constructed bymeans such as by non-limiting example weaving, knitting, extrusion,molding, 3D Printing, or other means. Inactive belt 3010 can be commonlyand currently used seat belt or commercial strap material of any typeand made by any means and can be constructed as a flat chain made ofinterlocking or attached components. There would not be tension from thesecurement in this length of belt ex-ante to the opposed contra-rotatingrollers. This is the length of belt or strap fed through the rollers andout of Ratcheting harness buckle 100.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway view showing the ratcheting and tightening mechanismas it would be after tightening and in use.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view as it would be after tightening and in useshowing detail of the pawl mechanisms. In an embodiment, two rollers canbe pressed tighter against each other by any pulling on active belt 3010due to eccentric 6010 which can be configured to rotate about an axisindicated by Roman numerals V-VI via its respective stub 6020, thusincreasing grip on active belt 3010. Top roller pawl 6030 can preventtop roller 6000 from rotating in the clockwise direction relative to thereader. Bottom roller 7000 can thus be prevented from rotating in thecounter-clockwise direction relative to the reader by bottom roller pawl7010. Note that once tightened and placed in the ready for usecondition, tension on active belt 3010 increases the force of top roller6000 against bottom roller 7000 with active belt 3010 between them andthus friction forces on belt 3010 preventing slippage.

Stub 6020 can be an integral or added on part of eccentric 6010. Stub6020 can be made of common metallic, polymer, or other materials orcombinations of materials and by using common methods such as machining,casting, injection molding, 3D Printing, or combinations of these and/orother methods. The component may be held in place with common fastenerssuch as clips and screws as well as press fits, welding, and adhesivesas well as being produced integral with eccentric 6010. This part servesthe function of providing an axis for the assembly including eccentric6010 and top roller 6000 to rotate about so that increasing tension onActive Belt 3010 will cause an increase in holding forces on the activebelt 3010. It also serves the purpose of connecting eccentric 6010 torelease handle 2000 in a rotatable manner.

Top roller pawl 6030 can be a component within the assembly. Top rollerpawl 6030 can include a cylindrical shaped portion 6031. Top roller pawl6030 can include a tooth portion configured to mate with a complimentaryfeature of upper roller 6000. Top roller pawl 6030 can be configured tobe acted on by a spring element 6040 to assist in maintaining engagementof top roller pawl 6030 tooth feature with the mating feature of roller6000, such as a grooved portion. Top roller pawl 6030 can be made ofcommon metallic, polymer, or other materials or combinations ofmaterials and by using common methods such as machining, blanking,broaching, casting, injection molding, 3D printing, or combinations ofthese and/or other methods. Top roller pawl 6030 can be held in placewith common fasteners such as clips and screws as well as press fits,welding, and adhesives. Top roller pawl 6030 can facilitate preventingrotation of roller 6000 in the direction of loosening the belt, yetallowing rotation in the direction of tightening.

Bottom roller pawl 7010 can be a component within the assembly. Bottomroller pawl 7010 can include a cylindrical shaped portion. Bottom rollerpawl 7010 can include a tooth feature configured to mate with acomplimentary portion of bottom roller 7000. Bottom roller pawl 7010 canbe configured to be acted on by a spring element to assist inmaintaining engagement of the bottom roller Pawl 710 tooth feature withthe mating feature of bottom roller 7000. Bottom roller pawl 7010 can bemade of common metallic, polymer, or other materials or combinations ofmaterials and by using common methods such as machining, blanking,broaching, casting, injection molding, 3D Printing, or combinations ofthese and/or other methods. Bottom roller pawl 7010 can be held in placewith common fasteners such as clips and screws as well as press fits,welding, and adhesives. Bottom roller pawl 7010 can facilitatepreventing rotation of bottom roller 7000 in the direction of looseningthe belt, yet allowing rotation in the direction of tightening.

Looping is shown in cutaway in FIG. 5 with side plate 5000 and releasehandle 2000 and other parts. In a preferred embodiment, the presentinvention can be configured with second passive belt 3000 which can besecured to ratcheting buckle or belt mechanism 100 via a bolt 4000. Oneof ordinary skill in the pertinent art can recognize that other methodsof securement are possible in the present invention. One of ordinaryskill in the pertinent art can also recognize that the active end of thebuckle could also be secured to a structure with or without a passivebelt 3000. Both the active and passive belt are shown abbreviated forpurposes of illustration. Ratchet grip handle 1000 is in its retractedposition substantially flat, as is release handle 2000. The looping ofactive belt 3010 around and over top roller 6000, then under bottomroller 7000 and thus between the two ratcheting rollers can be seen moreclearly in cutaway view FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 shows a close-up cutaway view of an embodiment of the presentinvention. An object of the present invention can address situationswherein if active belt 3010 is subject to tension or force pulling theex-ante part of the active belt, top roller 6000 may tend to rotate inthe clockwise direction relative to the observer of FIG. 5 about axisV-VI. Thereby, top roller 6000 can be forced against bottom roller 7000,increasing the force against active belt 3010 thus increasing grip onactive belt 3010. Top roller 6000 and bottom roller 7000 can have agripping surface, by way of non-limiting illustration, a knurled surfaceto improve gripping action on active belt 3010. In a preferredembodiment, bottom roller 7000 can have a ratchet system that preventsrotation in the direction of belt release via bottom roller pawl 7010.Note that the view cut in this embodiment leaves first side plate rollerguide 5002 in the view. Second side plate roller guide 5012 is shown inFIG. 9. A benefit of the present invention can be to center theotherwise unrestrained bottom roller 7000 centered in translation on itsaxis VI-VIII and XXI-XX FIG. 4 so that interference with ratchetinghandle 1000 on closure is prevented and release handle 2000 is placedinto its retracted position.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of the ratcheting mechanism in the “release”mode to show the loosening operation.

Rollers 6000 and 7000 can be separated by loosening via such release.Active belt 3010 can be no longer held fast between rollers 6000 and7000 and can be pulled through belt mechanism 100 in either direction.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of ratcheting mechanism 100 in an exemplaryrelease mode with bottom roller pawl 7010 shown exploded outward fromits position, and top roller pawl 6030 also shown exploded from itsposition. Top roller pawl spring 6040 is also visible in this view.

Top roller pawl spring 6040 can be a wire or rod shaped component. Itcan be made by wire drawing, casting, machining, 3D printing, extrusion,molding, or other methods. It may be made of any material with elasticproperties such as steel, other metals, polymers, organic or inorganicfibers, rubber, foam, or combination of these or other materials. Toproller pawl spring 6040 can also be a magnet or other element thatserves the function of acting on top Roller Pawl 6030. Top roller pawlspring 6040 can facilitate top roller pawl 6030 to assist in maintainingengagement of a tooth of top roller pawl 6030 with the complimentarymating feature of upper roller 6000 and allow top roller pawl 6030 torotate or move as required to allow the upper roller 6000 to rotate inthe direction of tightening active belt 3010.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of the ratcheting mechanism in the tighteningmode showing detail of ratchet grip pawl 1010 engaging outer teeth oftop roller 6000 to cause it to turn (counterclockwise in FIG. 8), thustightening active belt 3010. FIG. 8 shows ratchet grip pawl 1010 with aseries of features on top roller 6000 configured to fit against ratchetgrip pawl 1010 and thus force top roller 6000 to rotate in the directionof tightening 3010. Ratchet grip pawl 1010 may be configured with one ormore ratchet grip pawl retraction springs 1050 that assist in a secureengagement. Ratchet grip pawl retraction springs 1050 can be configuredsuch that the user can easily return 1000 to its retracted position bysqueezing ratchet grip pawl 1010 such that ratchet grip pawl 1010 candisengage from top roller 6000. Disengagement does not allow active belt3010 to slip out; top roller 6000 can be prevented from rotating in thedirection of releasing the belt by top roller pawl 6030; and bottomroller 7000 can be prevented from turning in the direction of beltrelease by bottom roller pawl 7010. Bottom roller pawl 7010 and toproller pawl 6030 can be configured to act against a spring such thatthey are always positioned to engage the appropriate anti-rotation teethof top roller 6000 or bottom roller 7000. An embodiment of a springacting on top roller pawl 6030 can be seen in FIG. 7 with top rollerpawl spring 6040. Top roller pawl 6030, in a preferred embodiment, canbe configured to fit into a cylindrical recess in top roller 6000 viaits cylindrical feature, and is kept positioned to engage top roller6000 by the force of top roller pawl spring 6040 pushing it outwardrotatably about cylindrical portion 6031.

Cylindrical portion 6031 can be a cylindrical or rod shaped featureattached to top roller pawl 6030. Cylindrical portion 6031 can be madeof common metallic, polymer, or other materials or combinations ofmaterials and by using common methods such as machining, blanking,broaching, casting, injection molding, 3D printing, or combinations ofthese and/or other methods. Cylindrical portion 6031 can be held inplace with common fasteners, by way of non-limiting illustration, clips,screws, press fits, welding, and adhesives. A benefit of cylindricalportion 6031 can be to define an axis III-IV for top roller pawl 6030 torotate thereabout.

FIG. 9 shows the release handle in wireframe view with rotation aboutaxis VII-VIII. Detail of cutout of radial receiver groove 5005 is shown.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of ratcheting a belt, said method:providing a buckle; providing a bottom roller rotatively mounted to saidbuckle, said bottom roller being ratcheted for rotation in a firstangular direction; providing a release handle rotatively mounted to saidbuckle; providing a top roller, rotatively mounted with respect to saidrelease handle, said top roller being ratcheted for rotation in a secondangular direction opposite said first angular direction, and said toproller being moved into and out of engagement with said bottom roller bysaid release handle, and wherein said top roller rotates along a radiuseccentric from a connective pivotal axis of said top roller with saidrelease handle, and wherein said top roller has a ratchet wheel with apawl along an interior of said top roller ratchet wheel to ratchet saidtop roller in said second direction; providing a handle for torqueingsaid top roller in said second angular direction, said handle having aspring biased pawl to prevent angular movement of said top roller in adirection opposite said first direction; providing an active belt havingan end looped underneath said top and bottom rollers and around said toproller and then between said top and bottom rollers; and wherein saidactive belt is pulled toward said buckle when said handle torques saidtop roller in said second direction and is restrained from release bysaid bottom and top rollers when said rollers are engaged and whereinsaid release handle removes said top roller from engagement with saidbottom roller to release said belt.